Memphis makes his mark - not just with his sideburns

The international break wasn’t too kind to Manchester United’s squad: Anthony Martial and Michael Carrick picked up injuries while Wayne Rooney fell ill and Marouane Fellaini wasn’t able to recover in time from the knock that ruled him out of United’s last game.

Most concerning was the attacking roster, with Martial and Rooney being the club’s main strikers this season, who was going to lead the line? Louis van Gaal admitted he had “a big problem.”

The solution he opted for was Memphis Depay, who has flattered to deceive in the Premier League so far and consequently he hasn’t started in the last seven games. Patience was always going to be key with Memphis, as is often the case with young players making the move to England.

That Martial immediately announced himself with a flurry of goals played its part in amplifying the pressure on the young Dutch international. He wasn’t helped by the injury to Luke Shaw, whose overlapping runs on the left flank had helped Memphis find space in certain games early on in the season.

The move up front seemed to help him get involved today as Ander Herrera and Jesse Lingard linked up well with him in a bright start to the game. Indeed, it was Herrera who produced an excellent first-time cross for Memphis open the scoring with.

It was a nicely finished improvised volley that he made look easy. The challenge for Memphis now is to produce consistency but with Martial and Rooney both expected back soon, the question remains as to whether he has done enough to cement a starting position.

A largely disappointing second half in which United let Watford work their way back into the game may convince Van Gaal to return to the system and personnel that was producing results before the international break.

The manager called on Memphis to fight for his place and it is clear he still has the fight left in him, which is a positive amidst all the doubts about his attitude and application of late.